Dealer Consolidation Is Coming: How to Be on the Winning Side with Don Reese

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In this episode I sit down with my longtime friend and industry powerhouse, Don Reese. For nearly 40 years, Don has been shaping the automotive landscape—partnering with giants, leading bold transformations, and now serving as CEO of the automotive sector at Franchise Equity Partners.

Together, we rewind the tape back to the late ’80s, tracing Don’s unlikely entry into the business and the pivotal decision that changed his trajectory forever. You’ll hear stories of working alongside legends like Mike Maroone and Ernie Garcia, navigating the AutoNation explosion of the ’90s, and scaling dealership groups into the thousands of sales.

We also talk about:

  • Why choosing who you work for is just as important as them choosing you.

  • The three traits Don looks for in every leader he hires (and why they still hold up today).

  • The hard truths about affordability, supply, and the used car shortage, and where the real opportunities lie for dealers.

  • How relationships with mentors like Mike Maroone, Mike Leep, and Ernie Garcia shaped not just Don’s career, but his outlook on leadership and business.

And just when you think you know where the story’s headed, Don flips the script. We dive into the seismic shifts shaping the future: affordability crises, OEM strategies, the next wave of consolidation, and why he believes dealers who adapt now will own the next era of automotive retail.

So here’s the question: If the entire industry is on the verge of reinvention… what does that mean for you?

Hit play to find out.

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